LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the month of February kicks off, Black History Month celebrations are already in full swing across the state.
Black History Month was originally established by Carter G. Woodson in February 1926 as a time to celebrate African American history and culture.
Now, nearly 100 years later, Black History Month is more widely celebrated than ever before. Here's a list of events taking place in central Arkansas:
Little Rock
DIY Black History Month: Zines
Where: Terry Library at 2015 Napa Valley Dr.
When: Thursday, February 8 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What: Explore Pulaski County's Black history with community outreach archivist Danielle Afsordeh while learning the DIY art of zine-making! Adult event. Register online here, via phone at (501) 228-0129, or sign up at the Terry Library desk.
PBS 'Gospel' Screening & Panel Discussion
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center at 501 W. 9th St.
When: Thursday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m.
What: Watch highlights from a four-part docuseries that explores the rich history of Black spirituality through sermon and song. Gospel singers will perform in the ballroom, singing gospel songs from the African American tradition. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Read to Lead: Black History Month
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center at 501 W. 9th St.
When: Saturday, February 10 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
What: The Clinton Presidential Center’s Read to Lead Series aims to help young readers "become great readers, leaders, and active citizens". Hear powerful stories from influential voices, make crafts, and participate in music-making activities. The event is free to the public and you can register here.
A Screening & Conversation for 'The Barber of Little Rock'
Where: Clinton Presidential Center at 1200 President Clinton Ave.
When: Thursday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m.
What: Enjoy a special screening of the 2024 Academy Award-nominated documentary short film, 'The Barber of Little Rock' followed by a conversation with the film’s directors, John Hoffman and Christine Turner; producer Taren Robinson; and its main subject, President and CEO of People Trust Arlo Washington. Register here.
CALS Black Family Expo 2024
Where: Pankey Community Center at 13700 Cantrell Rd.
When: Saturday, February 17 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
What: Learn about families with strong ties to central Arkansas’s Black history, explore resources to preserve your own family’s history, and sign up for a library card. Special giveaways will take place all day and family souvenir photos will be available.
To reserve a table to display family memorabilia, please call community outreach archivist, Danielle Afsordeh, at (501) 320-5726. There will be 10 tables available. Organizations are also welcome to display.
Staff will be on-site to digitize up to five items (family documents, photographs, and slides) at the Mobile Memory Lab station. One flash drive will be provided to each family with the scanned items. No reservation is required! More info can be found here.
AMFA Screening 'The Barber of Little Rock'
Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts at 501 E. 9th St.
When: Sunday, February 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What: Enjoy a special screening of the 2024 Academy Award-nominated short film, 'The Barber of Little Rock', which explores the story of America's widening racial gaps through the story of a local Little Rock barber, Arlo Washington. The event is free, but registration is required.
Black History Month Celebration: Colors of the World
Where: Mini Main Youth and Teen Dept. at 401 President Clinton Ave.
When: Wednesday, February 21 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
What: Show your melanin pride and create art that reflects the colors of your community. For teens ages 12-19, pre-teens ages 9-12, and kids ages 6-8. See more info here.
Artist Talk: Kevin Cole
Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts at 501 E. 9th St.
When: Thursday, February 22 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
What: Arkansas-born artist Kevin Cole presents a lecture entitled "Pushing Forward: Politics, Social Conflict & The Racial Divide in the Art of Kevin Cole." His artwork has been featured in over 500 exhibitions and can be found in more than 4,000 public, private, corporate, and museum collections throughout the U.S. and abroad. Reserve your tickets here.
Power'd by People
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center at 501 W. 9th St.
When: Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m.
What: Enjoy a family-friendly day of hands-on STEM activities that highlight African Americans' contributions to science and STEM-related fields.
2024 Parkview High School Black History Month Performance
Where: Clinton Presidential Center at 1200 President Clinton Ave.
When: Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.
What: This special performance tells the dramatic life story of Nelson Mandela, featuring choral and theatre students from Little Rock’s Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School. Register here to attend in person or tune in to a live stream.
North Little Rock
Black History Month at the North Little Rock Public Library System
Where: Laman Library at 2801 Orange St. & Argenta Library at 420 Main St.
When: Various dates
What: Visit North Little Rock's libraries for a variety of Black History Month for adults, kids, and tweens, including craft & trivia nights, and more. Seven different special movie screenings will also take place throughout February. To learn more about all the programs available please click here.
Interview with Arkansas author Phyllis Hodges
When: Friday, February 23 at 4:00 p.m.
What: Staff at the William F. Laman Public Library interviewed local author and resident celebrity Phyllis Hodges to discuss her book "Girl Power" in honor of Black History Month. The interview will be posted online.
20th annual UAMS Midsouth Black Expo
Where: The Venue at Westwind at 7318 Windsong Drive
When: Saturday, February 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What: This free event offers health education and screenings while also promoting local Black-owned businesses. The UAMS MammoVan will be on-site to provide prescheduled mammograms. To make an appointment please call (800) 259-8794. This event is free and open to the public.